Humanities

The two main goals of the Humanities department is to: 1) prepare students to be successful at the college level with a comprehensive understanding of the English language, and 2) provide students with the skill set necessary to become global learners. At all grade levels, reading, writing, speaking, and analytical thinking will be emphasized and assessed. We believe these skills will help strengthen students’ ability to interpret the world around them.

During their English studies at Saint Paul American School, students begin by mastering the foundations of English composition, and progressively move to a variety of specific writing, speaking, and literature courses. Students will analyze and respond to a wide range of literary texts that encompass a global perspective, with an emphasis on highly energetic, discussion-based learning experiences. Along with the core English curriculum, each student must also enroll in at least one Speech course. The purpose of this requirement is aimed at helping students build confidence, refine verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and, ultimately, be able to successfully deliver a wide variety of practical speeches.

Students are also required to take classes in Government, History, Geography, and Economics. These classes prepare students to become educated global citizens making them aware of various cultures and historical events.

Courses offered

MS English III ENG0806/ENG0807 (year-long)

Course Description: MS English is a course focused on developing students’ reading, writing, and study skills. The curriculum will also emphasize analytical thinking and group work. During the year, students will participate in a variety of activities and thematic units to achieve this goal, and will also experiment with various forms of creative writing.

Prerequisites: none

Grade Level: 7-8

MS Social Studies III SOC0806/SOC0807 (year-long)

Course Description: MS Social Studies exposes students to world events from the early beginnings of civilization to those of the modern world. Themes addressed in every unit include those aligned with geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture, science, and technology.

Prerequisites: none

Grade Level: 7-8

General English 9 ENG0944/ENG0945 (year-long)

Course Description: General English 9 builds upon the students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics of writing, and usually include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Usually, the various genres of literature are introduced and defined, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.

Prerequisites: none

Grade Level: 9

Honors General English 9 ENG0964/ENG0965 (year-long)

Course Description: This one-year course is a more rigorous version of the standard General English 9. It builds upon the students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics of writing, and usually include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Usually, the various genres of literature are introduced and defined, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.

Prerequisites: Successful honors application

Grade Level: 9

Geography SOC0905 (1 semester long)

Course Description: This course is designed to provide the student with a basic introduction to physical and human geography. Students will examine the role which geography plays in the world and how the interactions of humans with the environment affect the other. Students will explore the major world regions and examine the physical systems and human interactions within the regions. Students will use maps, globes, in‐depth case studies, and geographic systems and databases to help them answer geographic questions. This course serves as an excellent starting point for students wishing to expand their knowledge of the world.

Prerequisites: none

Grade Level: 9

American Government (formerly Civics) SOC0910 (1 semester long)

Course Description: Students in American Government will examine the democratic foundations, structures, and institutions of American government at local, state, and national levels. Students will study the political processes to gain an understanding of the role of the individual in the decision-making process of American government. Students will also learn about the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of the United States. Students will investigate American government though a variety of methods.

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 9

World Government SOC0913 (1 semester long)

Course Description: Students in World Government will be learning about the world and politics. Students will be staying up to date on current events and participating in discussions related to them. At times, history and background knowledge will have to be introduced/relearned.

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 9

General English 10 ENG1023/ENG1021 (year-long)

Course Description: General English 10 offers a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aimsand audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph thematic essays and compositions. The study ofliterature encompasses various genres as students improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine authors' intent and theme and to recognize the techniques employed by the author to achieve the goal.

Prerequisites: none

Grade Level: 10

Honors General English 10 ENG1024/ENG1025 (year-long)

Course Description: This one-year course is a more rigorous version of the standard General English 10. It offers a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multiparagraph thematic essays and compositions. The study of literature encompasses various genres as students improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine authors' intent and theme and to recognize the techniques employed by the author to achieve the goal.

Prerequisites: Successful honors application

Grade Level: 10

World History SOC1106/SOC1107 (year-long)

Course Description: This one-year survey course will examine world history through the disciplines which comprise the humanities: the arts, philosophy, literature, history, political institutions, and religion. It explores the great ideas and actions of humankind which have shaped life. The emphasis is on European, Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern civilizations.

Prerequisites: Civics, American Government or World Government

Grade Level: 10

Honors World History SOC1112/SOC1113 (year-long)

Course Description: This one-year course is an in-depth study of world history through the disciplines which comprise the humanities: the arts, architecture, philosophy, literature, theater, and music. It traces the evolution of political, social, religious, technological, and economic institutions from prehistoric to modern times. The emphasis is on European, Asian, African, Latin American, and the Middle Eastern civilizations. Students will be involved in historical research, analysis of primary source documents, and essay writing.

Prerequisites: Government Course and successful honors application

Grade Level: 10

US History SOC1009/SOC1010 (year-long)

Course Description: US History will give students the opportunity to learn how the United States evolved to become what it is today. Students will study the origins of the country, the mistakes and successes in its development, and Americas potential role in the future. The goal is for students to learn from America’s trials and tribulations and use their newly acquired knowledge to make educated decisions in the future.

Perquisites: Government Course

Grade Level: 11

Honors US History SOC1110/SOC1111 (year-long)

Course Description: US History will give students the opportunity to learn in depth, how the United States evolved to become what it is today. Students will study the origins of the country, the mistakes and successes in its development, and Americas potential role in the future. The goal is for students to learn from America’s trials and tribulations and use their newly acquired knowledge to make educated decisions in the future.

Perquisites: Government Course and successful honors application

Grade Level: 11

World Literature ENG1113/ENG1114 (year-long)

Course Description: World Literature is a year-long study of canonical literature spanning the globe. In this course, students will examine short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction within a historical and cultural context. Students take part in group discussions and class seminars, write essays, and deliver speeches to demonstrate their growing understanding of the relationship between local concerns and universal questions, the manner in which geography and culture can influence form, and world views of literature itself. Class discussions also encourage students to express opinions and support individual ideas from their readings.

Prerequisites: none

Grade Level: 11-12

Creative Writing ENG1204 (1 semester long)

Course Description: Creative writing is focused on allowing students to display their creative and expressive writing skills. Exercises and assignments in each of the main literary genres—creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, and drama—will help students discover their voice and tone while expanding vocabulary, building awareness of audience, and refining flow, context, meaning, and sentence variation. Creative writing will promote critical thinking and help students refine communication skills, which will aid students in writing more interesting essays, enhance their success in other classes, and set them apart in college applications as they continue on in the world of academia.

Prerequisites: none

Grade Level: 9-12

American Literature ENG1213/ENG1214 (year-long)

Course Description: American Literature covers the literature of the United States from the early beginnings of the country until the present. Historical forces impacting the literature, as well as the regional influences, are also examined. The development of critical thinking and vocabulary building, along with writing skills, are emphasized.

Prerequisites: Academic Writing

Grade Level: 11-12

AP Literature and Composition ENG1506/ENG1507 (year-long)

Course Description: This class is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition exam given at the end of the school year. For success in the course, students need advanced English skills as well as a major commitment of their time and effort. During the class, students engage in careful reading and critical analysis of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Students are expected to actively engage in class discussions, write critical essays, and deliver oral presentations about the literary texts studied in class.

Prerequisites: Lexile score of 1100 and successful honors application

Grade Level: 11-12

Speech ENG1002 (1 semester long)

Course Description: The primary purpose of Speech is to improve public speaking skills in a variety of settings. For each speech, topic selection, audience analysis, research, outlining, speech writing, and speech delivery will be emphasized. By the end of this course students will have improved verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and will be able to successfully and confidently present speeches in a variety of real-world situations.

Prerequisites: none

Grade Level: 12

Financial Literacy SOC1228 (1 semester long)

Course Description: This class is designed to combine economic concepts with everyday life to help students be fiscally responsible as they become adults. In this class, students will study macroeconomics and microeconomics to help them use economic thought to make rationalized decisions in an ever changing world.

Prerequisites: none

Grade Level: 12

Economics SOC1201 (1 semester long)

Course Description: This class is an introduction to economics. In this class, students will study the characteristics of macroeconomics and microeconomics. Economics class will be split into two sections. Section one will cover economic systems and the roles of government, consumers, and producers in these systems. Section 2 will cover money and banking, financial markets and international trade. Upon completing these two sections, students will be empowered to help correct societal problems.